Abstract

Background

Cancer is a disease of the elderly (average age of onset >69yrs). However, there is few data available on treatment- and disease-related interactions with the functional reserve of these patients (pts).

Methods

Prospective, multicenter non-interventional trial at two university hospitals in Germany. Included were pts ≥ 75yrs (n = 30) with gastrointestinal tumors receiving chemotherapy “ctx” in the period Q1/2015 - Q1/2016. To objectify the functionality of these pts sequential geriatric assessments (G8-Questionaire, ECOG, IADL, ADL) were performed. The analysis is based on data from 2 patient cohorts (C1: ctx 8 wks, n = 15).

Results

An initial dose reduction tended to stabilize the ADL/IADL of pts with newly initiated ctx (C1) when compared to those pts who received a 100%-dosage initially (p = 0,0986). Less ≥2° toxicities (tox) were detected after initial dose reduction (p = ns). However, at the time of the analysis the tox did not correlate with a deterioration in the IADL or ADL. Pts who started ctx with a pathological G8-Screening ( 8 wks (C2), a continued 100%-dosage did not result in a deterioration in the ADL/IADL (additionally no correlation between tox and the IADL/ADL has been detected). C2 pts with an intial G8

Conclusions

These data suggest, that dose-escalating strategies maintain the functional reserve of pts ≥75yrs with gastrointestinal tumors. However disease control was the strongest predictor for stabilized functionality.